{"id":626485,"date":"2024-01-30T10:13:19","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T15:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626485"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:12:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:12:11","slug":"citalopram-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/citalopram-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"Citalopram interactions to avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Citalopram hydrobromide is commonly referred to by its brand name, <\/span>Celexa<\/span><\/a>, and remains one of the foremost first-line antidepressants. Hailing from the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (<\/span>SSRI<\/span><\/a>) class of drugs, <\/span>citalopram<\/span><\/a> is often used for the treatment of major depressive disorder or <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> use treating anxiety disorder. For all the good work that it does, citalopram also has its downsides. Drug interactions are a significant element of that risk, but they can be avoided. Drugs that increase serotonin prolong the heart’s QT interval, thin the blood, or lower sodium can be problematic when coupled with citalopram. Knowledge about what meds, foods, and health conditions interact negatively with this SSRI is a major factor in keeping you safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Citalopram drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are a few important categories to watch out for if you are taking citalopram, namely drugs with serotonin activity, QT-prolonging agents, anticoagulants, and medications that lower sodium. Other drug interactions exist, of course, but these are the ones to focus on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Serotonergic agents<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not enough serotonin activity in the CNS seems to be connected to depression and anxiety states. Still, too much serotonin can be dangerous, producing serotonin syndrome with the symptoms above and even fever, unconsciousness, and seizures in extreme cases. In the setting of depression, citalopram may help to strike the right balance. The serotonin activity may go too far in high doses or in combination with other serotonergic agents. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drugs that could dangerously amplify serotonin effects with citalopram include other SSRIs, of course, but also other <\/span>antidepressants<\/span><\/a>, such as the <\/span>serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)<\/span><\/a>, tricyclic antidepressants, <\/span>antipsychotics<\/span><\/a>, and especially <\/span>monoamine oxidase inhibitors<\/span><\/a> (MAOIs). <\/span>Triptans<\/span><\/a>, which are popular migraine relievers, the nausea medication ondansetron, <\/span>opioid pain relievers<\/span><\/a>, and the popular cough suppressant <\/span>dextromethorphan<\/span><\/a>, have this risk as well. These different serotonergic agents include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n